The Prayer Book Society of Canada Newsletter Christmas 2003

Anglican Primates Release Statement Condemning the Actions of the INSIDE 1 of New Westminster and the Statement of the Episcopal Church of the USA Anglican Primates In response to the current crisis in the Anglican Church resulting from the actions of the Bishop of New 3 Westminster and the General Convention of the Episcopal Church in the USA, the Primates of the Anglican Recent Communion met at Lambeth in October, 2003. Here is the full text of their statement Developments within the Anglican The Primates of the strengthened in our News to the world. Communion Regarding the and the Communion with one another At this time we feel the Same-Sex Issue Moderators of the United through our worship and study profound pain and uncertainty Churches, meeting together at of the Bible. This has led us “ shared by others about our 4 Lambeth Palace on the 15th into a deeper commitment to Christian discipleship in the and 16th October, 2003, wish A Parish Feels the work together, and we affirm light of controversial decisions to express our gratitude to the Lash of a Hostile our pride in the Anglican by the Diocese of New of Canterbury, Dr Bishop inheritance of faith and order Westminster to authorise a Rowan Williams, for calling us and our firm desire to remain Public Rite of Blessing for 6 together in response to recent part of a Communion, where those in committed same sex Icon of St Michael events in the Diocese of New what we hold in common is relationships, and by the 74th Painted at Westminster, Canada, and the much greater than that which General Convention of the St Michael’s Youth Episcopal Church (USA), and divides us in proclaiming Good Conference welcoming us into his home so Episcopal Church (USA) to confirm the election of a priest that we might take counsel 7 together, and to seek to “These actions threaten in a committed same sex relationship to the office and Of the Great and discern, in an atmosphere of the unity of our own Glorious Accidents work of a Bishop. common prayer and worship, Communion as well as Happening about the will and guidance of the our relationships with These actions threaten the the Birth of JESUS Holy Spirit for the common other parts of Christ's unity of our own Communion life of the thirty-eight provinces as well as our relationships with 10 which constitute our Church, our mission other parts of Christ's Church, Voices From the Communion. and witness, and our our mission and witness, and Pew At a time of tension, we relations with other our relations with other faiths, have struggled at great cost faiths...” in a world already confused in with the issues before us, but areas of sexuality, morality and have also been renewed and theology, and polarised Christian opinion. As Primates of our Communion seeking to exercise the “enhanced responsibility” entrusted to us by successive Lambeth Conferences, we re-affirm our common understanding of the centrality and authority of Scripture in determining the The Annunciation, Fra Filippo Lippi (1406-1469). Ð Continued on Page 2 Christmas 2003 The Prayer Book Society of Canada Newsletter

Primates’ Statement Therefore, as a body we deeply pointed to the grave difficulties that this Ð Continued from Page 1 regret the actions of the Diocese of New election has raised and will continue to basis of our faith. Whilst we Westminster and the Episcopal Church raise. In most of our provinces the acknowledge a legitimate diversity of (USA) which appear to a number of election of Canon Gene Robinson interpretation that arises in the Church, provinces to have short-circuited that would not have been possible since his this diversity does not mean that some process, and could be perceived to alter chosen lifestyle would give rise to a of us take the authority of Scripture unilaterally the teaching of the Anglican canonical impediment to his more lightly than others. Nevertheless, Communion on this issue. They do consecration as a bishop. each province needs to be aware of the not. Whilst we recognise the juridical possible effects of its interpretation of autonomy of each province in our If [the] consecration [of Gene Scripture on the life of other provinces Communion, the mutual Robinson] proceeds, we in the Communion. We commit interdependence of the provinces means recognise that we have reached ourselves afresh to mutual respect whilst that none has authority unilaterally to seeking from the Lord a correct substitute an alternative teaching as if it a crucial and critical point in discernment of how God's Word speaks were the teaching of the entire Anglican the life of the Anglican to us in our contemporary world. Communion. Communion and we have had To this extent, therefore, we must to conclude that the future of “Therefore, as a body we deeply make clear that recent actions in New the Communion itself will be regret the actions of the Diocese Westminster and in the Episcopal put in jeopardy...This will tear of New Westminster and the Church (USA) do not express the mind the fabric of our Communion Episcopal Church (USA)...we of our Communion as a whole, and at its deepest level, and may these decisions jeopardise our call on the provinces concerned lead to further to make adequate provision for sacramental fellowship with each other. We have a particular concern for those division....Similar episcopal oversight of dissenting who in all conscience feel bound to considerations apply to the minorities within their own area dissent from the teaching and practice situation pertaining in the of pastoral care in consultation of their province in such matters. Diocese of New Westminster.” with the Archbishop of Whilst we reaffirm the teaching of successive Lambeth Conferences that Canterbury on behalf of the If his consecration proceeds, we must respect the autonomy and Primates.” recognise that we have reached a crucial territorial integrity of dioceses and and critical point in the life of the provinces other than their own, we call We also re-affirm the resolutions Anglican Communion and we have had on the provinces concerned to make made by the bishops of the Anglican to conclude that the future of the adequate provision for episcopal Communion gathered at the Lambeth Communion itself will be put in oversight of dissenting minorities within Conference in 1998 on issues of human jeopardy. In this case, the ministry of this their own area of pastoral care in sexuality as having moral force and one bishop will not be recognised by consultation with the Archbishop of commanding the respect of the most of the Anglican world, and many Canterbury on behalf of the Primates. Communion as its present position on provinces are likely to consider these issues. We commend the report of The Presiding Bishop of the themselves to be out of Communion that Conference in its entirety to all Episcopal Church (USA) has explained with the Episcopal Church (USA). This members of the Anglican Communion, to us the constitutional framework will tear the fabric of our Communion at valuing especially its emphasis on the within which the election and its deepest level, and may lead to further need “to listen to the experience of confirmation of a new bishop in the division on this and further issues as homosexual persons, and...to assure Episcopal Church (USA) takes place. As provinces have to decide in consequence them that they are loved by God and Primates, it is not for us to pass whether they can remain in communion that all baptised, believing and faithful judgement on the constitutional with provinces that choose not to break persons, regardless of sexual orientation, processes of another province. We communion with the Episcopal Church are full members of the Body of recognise the sensitive balance between (USA). Christ”; and its acknowledgement of provincial autonomy and the expression Similar considerations apply to the the need for ongoing study on of critical opinion by others on the situation pertaining in the Diocese of questions of human sexuality. internal actions of a province. New Westminster. Nevertheless, many Primates have Ð Continued on Page 8

2 Visit our web site: www.prayerbook.ca The Prayer Book Society of Canada Newsletter Christmas 2003 Recent Developments within the Anglican Communion Regarding the Same-Sex Issue

October 16th, 2003 Yukon, for offering Alternative Episcopal majority of bishops in the [Anglican] Oversight to the dissenting parishes in Communion and will not recognize it. The Primates of the Anglican Church the diocese of New Westminster. We declare our grief at the actions of throughout the world meet at Lambeth, those who are engaging in this schismatic England, and issue a statement re- October 31, 2003 act. This action is a departure from affirming the 1998 Lambeth Conference Holy Scripture, from the clear historic on issues of human sexuality, and express The Canadian House of Bishops wraps teaching of the Church, from the moral “deep regret” at the actions of the up their meeting with a request to imperative of the Lambeth Conference Diocese of New Westminster for Bishop to Ingham to drop charges of Bishops, 1998, and from the fervent endorsing same-sex unions, and of the against seven dissenting clergy, and a plea of the Primates of the Episcopal Church in the USA for its request to Archbishop Crawley to drop Communion.” endorsement of the election of Gene charges against Bishop Terry Buckle. Robinson, a divorced man living openly A further objection read at the in a same-sex union, and cites the “We are appalled that the authorities consecration declares it to be “a cowardly “profound pain and uncertainty” these within the Episcopal Church of the and conforming act of a church that has actions have created: “We must make it USA (ECUSA) have ignored the capitulated to elite culture…inclusivity clear that recent actions in New heartfelt plea of the Communion not without transformation is not the gospel Westminster and in the Episcopal to proceed with the scheduled of Jesus Christ.” Church [of the USA] do not express the consecration, which clearly mind of our Communion…and demonstrates that authorities within The Anglican Mainstream Statement jeopardize our sacramental fellowship” ECUSA consider their cultural-based declares “We find it hard to understand how the Presiding Bishop [Frank agenda is of far greater importance The statement is signed by Michael Griswold] could oversee this action after than obedience to the Word of Peers, Primate of the Anglican Church of subscribing to the unanimous statement God,…the spiritual welfare and unity Canada, and by Frank Griswold, of all the Anglican Primates that such an of the Anglican Communion, our Presiding Bishop of the Episcopal action would tear the fabric of the ecumenical fellowship and inter-faith Church of the USA. The full text of the Communion.” statement is reproduced on page 1. relationships.” Peter Akinola, Primate of Nigeria, October 17th, 2003 November 2, 2003 speaking on behalf of the [Anglican] Primates of the Global South expressed The Chancellor of the Diocese of New Gene Robinson is consecrated Bishop of “profound sadness and pain”: “We are Westminster presses charges against seven New Hampshire at a hockey rink at the appalled that the authorities within the clergy - representing 25% of the University of New Hampshire in Episcopal Church of the USA (ECUSA) worshipping population of the diocese - Durham. The consecration is conducted have ignored the heartfelt plea of the for “disobedient and disrespectful by Frank Griswold, Presiding Bishop of Communion not to proceed with the conduct” towards the bishop – i.e., for the Episcopal Church. Fifty US scheduled consecration, which clearly opposing the Bishop’s endorsement of Bishops joined Bishop Griswold, in the demonstrates that authorities within same-sex blessings – and “schism”: this traditional laying-on of hands on the ECUSA consider their cultural-based in clear violation of the worldwide new bishop’s head. agenda is of far greater importance than Primates’ explicit direction to the obedience to the Word of God, the Canadian Church – and to the entire The Rt. Rev’d David Bena of the integrity of the one mission of God in Anglican Communion – that Alternative Diocese of Albany reads a protest signed which we all share, the spiritual welfare Episcopal Oversight is to be provided to by 38 bishops from the US and Canada: and unity of the Anglican Communion, all dissenting minorities confronted by a “It is impossible to affirm a candidate for our ecumenical fellowship and inter-faith bishop endorsing same-sex unions. a bishop and symbol of unity whose very relationships.” consecration is dividing the whole Earlier in the month, David Crawley, Anglican Communion….This November 7, 2003 Archbishop of British Columbia said he consecration poses a dramatic had begun disciplinary proceedings contradiction to the historic faith and Proceedings against Bishop Buckle and against Terry Buckle, Bishop of the discipline of the Church. We join the seven New Westminster clergy are stayed.

Visit our web site: www.prayerbook.ca 3 Christmas 2003 The Prayer Book Society of Canada Newsletter Christian Unity and the coming crisis for The Anglican Church of North America: Or, How a Prayer Book Parish in the Diocese of New Westminster came to feel the lash of a hostile bishop Norah Johnston, Chairman of the Vancouver Branch of the PBSC

The Diocese of New Westminster is Christ as the Anglican Church of Canada clergy: to designate an “Episcopal Visitor”, a often in the news these days. The actions has received it, the other keen to innovate, visiting bishop to provide pastoral care but taken by this diocese, to sanction blessing to revise the ‘faith once offered’, one who would have no jurisdiction; and to the unions of same sex couples, have been interpreting revelation as progressive, provide a “conscience clause” for priests who schismatic far beyond our borders. The sceptical of the traditional ethos of those would not perform the same sex rite. That question must be asked: has the Bishop of believing in the ‘One, True, Holy, Catholic conscience clause would not be binding on New Westminster, Michael Ingham, acted and Apostolic Church’; perfecting the the bishop’s successor. This proposal was in accordance with promises he made language of ambiguity. The storm has been rejected as unworkable by most of the regarding the doctrine and discipline of the looming a long time. orthodox clergy. The proposal, now called Anglican Church of Canada? At the time of The situation in New Westminster Motion 7, was then presented to the Synod his consecration as bishop he was charged should warn us that the “process”, which, of June 2002, even though it had been to make these promises: (as per the BAS) having been on its receiving end, we can rejected by most of the orthodox of the “…To guard the faith, unity, and only describe as being coercive, will be diocese. Many delegates at synod, discipline of the Church; to celebrate and attempted in many dioceses across the uninformed of the motion’s history, hailed it to provide for the administration of the country and has already begun in some. as a great gesture of compromise. The sacraments of the new covenant; to ordain The bishop of the Diocese of New proposal was passed by a 62.5% majority. At priests and , and to join in Westminster would have the Canadian this point, representatives of eight parishes, ordaining bishops; and to be in all things a Church use the process of “Dialogue” – a including St Martin’s, walked out of Synod faithful pastor and wholesome example for modern substitute for rigorous debate. This in protest. The eight protesting parishes the entire flock of Christ.” modern dialogue process allows no testing subsequently met and formed a coalition called the Anglican Communion in New The bishop’s actions also need to be of contentious ideas; instead a well Westminster (ACiNW). It is important to set against the solemn oaths made as a orchestrated process of coercion, with realize that these parishes represent about priest at the time of . Even in designed discussions, lead by carefully taught 25% of the active, worshipping population the BAS, which in many places seeks to “facilitators” is the order of the day. of the diocese of New Westminster. dilute the tenets of classical Anglicanism, Employed in New Westminster, this the priest swears a solemn oath before the process will likely be proposed as a Vestry Follow-up at St. Martin’s Church congregation and before God to “be loyal template in your own diocese. We have all On Sunday, September 29th, 2002, to the doctrine, discipline, and worship of witnessed how successful the process has St Martin’s Vestry convened and, after a Christ as this Church has received them”, been in New Westminster. report from the Rector, Rev'd Dr. Timothy then states “I solemnly declare that I do St. Martin’s, North Vancouver, is a Cooke, and subsequent discussion, voted believe the holy scripture of the Old and traditional Anglican parish which uses the on three questions: New Testament to be the word of God, Book of Common Prayer primarily for its a) Are you in favour of St. Martin’s actively and to contain all things necessary to worship. It has been directly faced with the seeking Alternative Episcopal Oversight salvation, and I do solemnly swear to consequences of this conflict, and borne (AEO)? (Carried by 75.96%) conform to the doctrine, discipline and this responsibility with courage, b) Are you in favour of St. Martin’s worship of the Anglican Church of Canada graciousness and perseverance. withholding its financial assessment from (BAS, p 647) . New Westminster Diocesan Synods: the Diocese of New Westminster pending Yet the Bishop has broken the The diocese had endured a prolonged resolution of our request for AEO? Guidelines of the Canadian House of process of enforced ‘dialogue’ on same sex (Carried by 78.94%) Bishops, flouted the resolutions of the unions. The process was seen as c) Are you in favour of St. Martin’s, world-wide Anglican Bishops meeting at unsatisfactory by many. The meetings of the together with other parishes, contributing Lambeth in 1998, disregarded the plain Diocesan Synod of 1998 and 2001 narrowly resources (financial and otherwise) to the word of Scripture, and departed from the passed motions authorizing the blessing of coalition known as the “Anglican doctrine, discipline and worship of the same-sex unions. Bishop Ingham withheld Communion in New Westminster” Anglican Church of Canada. his consent, but continued to manage the (ACiNW), which is seeking AEO? Two separate churches have been process. He then made an attempt to win (Carried by 82.97%) wrapped in the same cloak for decades – the approval of the parishes and clergy who Resignation of St. Martin’s Rector and suddenly the cloak is drawn aside. had declared their opposition at the synods. There they stand: one seeking to be loyal Approaching the June synod of 2002 the However, the subsequent pressures of to the doctrine, discipline, and worship of bishop made a proposal to this group of the situation became too great for the Ð Continued on Page 5

4 Visit our web site: www.prayerbook.ca The Prayer Book Society of Canada Newsletter Christmas 2003

Christian Unity … offer of AEO. St. Martin’s was not in a advance ballots with the words deemed Ð Continued from Page 4 position to make such a decision without a objectionable by some) was116 for and 78 Rector, the Rev’d Dr Timothy Cooke, and Rector. against, that is 59.79% in favour. he resigned, effective January 31, 2003. An Information Meetings at St Martin’s Following the vote, the wardens interim Rector, the Rev'd Canon Don leading up to the Special Vestry, May 25, announced that the vote would be Willis, was appointed by the bishop. 2003 interpreted by the diocese as a rejection of Bishop Buckle’s offer of alternative On March 14, the wardens St. Martin’s Annual Vestry Meeting, Feb. Episcopal oversight. At a Church distributed a 16 page document 2003 Committee Meeting on May 28, the summarizing the issue. Three The wardens proposed a motion, wardens called for a "process of discerning informational meetings duly held. At the which was amended to: the way ahead". first meeting, representatives from the th “Be it resolved that the wardens be ACiNW attended, and answered questions. Church Committee Meeting, June 10 , instructed to organize one or more Bishop Ingham along with an 2003 informational meetings for the purpose of and the regional dean attended the second The meeting was well attended, with outlining the options available to the meeting, and made a presentation. The many parishioners as observers. The parish, together with the legal and other diocesan authorities raised the prospect of Wardens, Trustees and Treasurer provided implications of each option, and thereafter litigation regarding church property, should the Parish with a Report on the Church to call a special vestry meeting, prior to the parish opt to accept Bishop Buckle’s Committee Meeting, June 10th, 2003, Diocesan Synod, all for the purpose of offer. The third meeting was held for the dated and distributed June 15th. determining the relationship of this parish purposes of congregational discussion. In Excerpts from that Report follow: with the Diocese of New Westminster.” the meantime, Bishop Ingham announced The Trustees, Jim Burns and Chris (Motion carried) that he had approved Bishop Hockin of Vondette, expressed the following concerns: Reaction in the worldwide church Fredericton to act as an episcopal visitor to Many in the Anglican Church of the diocese for a period of one year. All a) A very friendly private meeting with Canada and the Anglican Communion authority was to be left in the hands of Bishop Hockin confirmed that, with him worldwide watched with concern the Bishop Ingham. as Episcopal Visitor, Bishop Ingham would control the selection of our next priest. events unfolding in the Diocese of New A Special Vestry was scheduled for St.Martin’s would be required to bring its Westminster. Several Bishops and Primates May 25 to vote on the issue. Without its contributions to the Diocese up to date. of Africa and southeast Asia visited Rector, the parish felt its way towards Vancouver and met with representatives of clarity in a highly difficult situation. St. b) The financial state of our parish had the Diocese and the ACiNW. They Martin’s felt vulnerable, particularly over deteriorated to a critical point as members believed that reconciliation was now the issue of possible litigation regarding on both sides of the question have impossible, and stated that they were church property. Advance voting for withheld their contributions, awaiting prepared to provide assistance to the people unable to attend the Special Vestry some clear direction. parishes of the ACiNW. Later, they all meeting was held. As the wording on this c) The vote taken on May 25 showed that agreed that a Canadian solution for ballot was deemed by many to be "scare- the parish is split almost 60% in favor of alternative Episcopal oversight (AEO) mongering", a further meeting was held on accepting Bishop Buckle’s offer, and 40% would be the ideal way forward. May 13, at which the question on the against. In February, 2003, shortly after St. ballot was re-worded. The original wording Therefore at the Church Committee Martin’s annual vestry, Bishop Terry Buckle ran as follows: "I give my own support to the Trustees presented this motion: the ACiNW to seek Episcopal Oversight of the Diocese of the Yukon (in the same “The Wardens, with the full support Anglican Province as New Westminster) by Bishop Terence Buckle. I recognise that the Chancellor and Chief Legal Officer of of the Trustees, accept the recommendation submitted an offer to Bishop Ingham to that the vote of May 25th be accepted as provide AEO with jurisdiction (that is, the Diocese of New Westminster has stated that in order to actually obtain such being in favour of accepting Bishop episcopal oversight with full authority) over Buckle’s offer of Episcopal Oversight, and the parishes of the ACiNW. Episcopal Oversight ministry from Bishop Buckle, I may have to leave the parish of that Bishop Buckle be so informed. Several Anglican Primates and St. Martin." Accepting Bishop Buckle’s offer, since Canadian Bishops endorsed this offer. it is the majority’s wish, would logically Michael Ingham “strongly rejected this A special Vestry was held on May 25th, 2003, with the wording on the ballot result in the loss of fewer parishioners and offer and threatened legal action if Bishop would be the best solution to providing Buckle exercised his Episcopal ministry in as follows: "Be it resolved that this vestry accepts Bishop Terry Buckle’s offer of closure to the uncertainty, providing a the Diocese without permission.” Bishop point from which St. Martin’s can move Ingham also wrote to all diocesan clergy alternative Episcopal oversight with full jurisdiction, as set out in his letter of forward and begin the process of healing and parishes stating that he would take within the parish.” “disciplinary measures under the Canons” March 17, 2003." A motion was made if any accepted such an offer. With the that no vote less than 60% would be After discussion, the Church exception of St. Martin’s, the other 7 binding. Committee passed the motion by a ACiNW parishes accepted Bishop Buckle’s The result of the vote (including the Ð Continued on Page 9

Visit our web site: www.prayerbook.ca 5 Christmas 2003 The Prayer Book Society of Canada Newsletter Icon of St Michael The 2004 Canadian Church Calendar is now available. The calendar includes the Sundays, Painted at Holy Days, Saints' Days and seasons of the Church Year, in accordance with the calendar St Michael’s Youth from the Book of Common Prayer (1962) of the Conference Anglican Church of Canada. The 2004 Calendar is illustrated with attractive original watercolours of Anglican This year’s St Michael’s Conference at churches throughout Canada, painted by Montreal-born artist Peter Bresnen. Durham, Ontario featured something new: the painting (or “writing”) of an Featured for 2004 are churches from Saskatchewan, Nova Scotia, Ontario, icon of St Michael the Archangel. As the Quebec, British Columbia, Manitoba, New Brunswick, and Alberta. icon was Orders of 25 or more are only $3.85 each (plus postage and handling). For fewer being than 25, the Calendars are $4.60 each (plus postage and handling). This means “written” that the more you order, the lower the price, or the greater amount raised for (correctly your parish or church group (sold for $4.50 or $5.25 each, for instance). speaking, icons are Available from St Peter Publications, P.O. Box 713, Charlottetown, Prince “written”, Edward Island, C1A 7L3 not Telephone/fax: (902) 368-8442 painted), it was being E-mail: [email protected] Website: www.stpeter.org used as a teaching tool. This is highly appropriate, as icons are St Bartholomew’s Christmas Hamper Programme considered to be a Remember those in need at Christmas! pictorial representation of a doctrinal statement St Bartholomew’s Church, Toronto, about God or His saints. Icon “writer” has run a Christmas Hamper programme for 47 years. Chris Vandonkelaar, from Hamilton, Ontario, taught Conference attendees • Last year we distributed 400 Christmas hampers, providing approximately about icons, their significance, and the seven days supply of food with all the “fixin’s” for a Christmas dinner. art of panting them, as he worked on the • The program costs a minimum of $35,000. icon during one of the classes offered at • Tax receipts issued for any donation of $10.00 or more. the Conference this year. • We always have more requests than we can fill. Once completed, the icon will be placed St Bartholomew’s Anglican Church, is an inner city church that uses the Book of in the new Chapel of St Michael and St Common Prayer for its devotional and liturgical life. Nicholas of the Seafarers’ Mission, at the foot of Wellington Street in Hamilton, St Bartholomew’s Anglican Church, which serves hundreds of sailors from 509 Dundas Street East, Toronto, Ontario M5A 3V3 around the world. Icons play an important part in the religious life of the Fr. Gordon Walls: telephone (416) 368-0908; e-mail: [email protected] Orthodox and Roman Catholic website: http://www3sympatico.ca/ohmy/stbarts/ Churches, and are used by many Anglicans, and, these days, by many Protestants as well. Those who use icons Many, many thanks to readers of the PBSC National Newsletter who as part of their worship understand the contributed so very generously to our programme during past Christmases! significance of these “windows into heaven”.

6 Visit our web site: www.prayerbook.ca The Prayer Book Society of Canada Newsletter Christmas 2003 Of the Great and Glorious Accidents Happening about the Birth of JESUS by Jeremy Taylor, D.D.

From the Life and Death of the Ever Blessed JESUS CHRIST the Saviour of the World, by Jeremy Taylor, D.D., Chaplain to His Majesty King Charles I, printed at the Sign of the Angel in Ivy Lane, London, 1653.

Although the birth of Christ was destitute of the usual excrescencies* and less necessary Pomps which used to signify and illustrate the birth of Princes; “yet his first humility was made glorious with presages, miracles, and significations from heaven, which did not only , like the furniture of a Princely Bedchamber, speak the riches of the Parent, or greatness of the Son within its own walls, but did declare to all the world that their Prince was born, publishing it with figures and representments almost as great as its Empire. But because the heavens, as well as the earth, are his Creatures, and do serve him, at his Birth he received a sign in heaven above, as well as in the earth beneath, as an homage paid to their common Lord. For as certain Shepherds were keeping watch over their flocks by night, near that part where Jacob did use to feed his cattle when he was in the “Angeli Laudantes”, (Angels Offering Praise), Tapestry designed by Edward Burne Jones, Land of Canaan, the Angel of the Lord woven in wools and silk by Morris and Company, Merton Abbey, England, 1894. came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them. Needs must the shepherds be afraid, when an Angel came from the common probability and higher till midnight was as bright arrayed in glory and clothed in a robe of expectation of such a birth, that by being midday; for suddenly there was with the light, great enough to confound their a miracle, so great a Prince should be Angel a multitude of the heavenly host: senses and scatter their understandings. born so poorly, it became an instrument and after the Angel had told his message But the Angel said unto them, fear not, for to signify itself and all the other parts of in plain song, the whole chorus joined in I bring tidings of great joy which shall be to mysterious consequence. For the Angel descant, and sang a hymn to the tune all people, For unto you is born this day in said, this shall be a sign unto you, ye shall and sense of heaven, where glory is paid the city of David a Saviour which is Christ find the Babe wrapped in swaddling clothes to God in eternal and never-ceasing the Lord. The Shepherds needed not to lying in a manger. offices, and whence good will descended be invited to see this glorious sight; but But as light, when it first begins to upon men in perpetual and never-ending lest their fancy should rise up to an guild the east, scatters indeed the torrents: their song was Glory be to God expectation of a Prince as externally darkness from the earth, but ceases not to on high, on earth, good will towards men. glorious as might be hoped for in increase its flame, till it hath made perfect As soon as these blessed Choristers consequence of so glorious an apparition, day, so it happened now in this had sung their Christmas carol, and the Angel, to prevent the mistake, told apparition of the Angel of light, he taught the Church a hymn to put into them of a sign, because it was so remote appeared and told his message and did her offices for ever in the anniversary of * excrencies - excesses shine, but the light arose higher and Ð Continued on Page 8

Visit our web site: www.prayerbook.ca 7 Christmas 2003 The Prayer Book Society of Canada Newsletter

Glorious Accidents… world, and of such beauties which they Primates’ Statement Ð Continued from Page 7 admire. GOD himself in poverty comes Ð Continued from Page 2 this festivity, the Angels returned into in a prejudice to them that love richness, We have noted that the Lambeth heaven, and the Shepherds went to and simplicity is folly to crafty persons, a Conference 1998 requested the Bethlehem, to see this thing which the mean birth is ignoble stain, beggary is a Archbishop of Canterbury to establish a Lord had made known unto them, And scandal, and the Cross an unanswerable commission to consider his own role in objection. But the Angel’s moral in the they came with haste, and found Mary and maintaining communion within and circumstances of his address, and inviting Joseph, and the Babe lying in a manger: between provinces when grave the poor shepherds to Bethlehem is: That Just as the Angel had prepared their difficulties arise . We ask him now to none are fit to come to CHRIST but Expectation, they found the narrative establish such a commission, but that its verified, and saw the glory of the mystery those who are poor in spirit, despisers of the world; and therefore neither did the remit be extended to include urgent and of the presentment which was made by deep theological and legal reflection on the heavenly Ministers, seeing GOD Angel tell the story to Herod nor to the the way in which the dangers we have through the veil of a child’s flesh, the Scribes and Pharisees, whose ambition identified at this meeting will have to be Heir of heaven wrapt in swaddling had ends contradictory to the simplicity addressed. We request that such a clothes and a person to whom the Angels and poverty of the birth of JESUS. commission complete its work, at least did minister laid in a manger. And they Jeremy Taylor (1613-1667) was Chaplain to in relation to the issues raised at this beheld, and wondered, and worshipped. King Charles I, and one of the most celebrated But as a precious liquor warmed and preachers of his day. His fame today rests largely” meeting, within twelve months. heightened by a flame, first crowns the on his devotional writings, which are We urge our provinces not to act characteristic expressions of Anglican spirituality vessel, then dances over its brim into the in their balanced sobriety and their insistence on precipitately on these wider questions, fire, increasing the cause of its motion a well-ordered piety and reverence. They have but take time to share in this process of and extravagancy, so it happened to the become classics due to their lucid and vigorous reflection and to consider their own shepherds whose hearts being filled with prose and powerful imagery. Jeremy Taylor became Bishop of Down and Connor in 1660. constitutional requirements as the oil of gladness up unto the brim, the individual provinces face up to potential joy ran over, as being too big to be realignments. confined in their own breasts, and did Prayer from Meditation upon the “Great and communicate its self, growing greater by Glorious Accidents Happening about the Questions of the parity of our such dissemination: for when they had Birth of JESUS”, from Jeremy Taylor’s ‘Life canon law, and the nature of the of Christ’, 1653. seen it they made it known abroad the relationship between the laws of our saying which was told them concerning this “O Blessed and eternal JESU, at whose birth provinces with one another have also child. And (as well they might) all that the Quires of Angels sang praises to GOD, been raised. We encourage the Network heard it wondered. But Mary, having first and proclaimed peace to Men, sanctify my of Legal Advisers established by the will and inferior affections; make me to be changed her joy to wonder, turned her within the conditions of peace, that I be Holy Anglican Consultative Council, meeting wonder into entertainments of the and mortified, a Despiser of the world and in Hong Kong in 2002, to bring to mystery, and mystery into a fruition and exterior vanities, humble and charitable: that completion the work which they have cohabitation with it. For Mary kept all by thy eminent example I may be so fixed in already begun on this question. these sayings and pondered them in her the degrees and prosecution of the ends of GOD, and blissful Eternity, that I be heart. It is clear that recent controversies unmoved with the terrors of the World, have opened debates within the life of our …But the Angel brought the unaltered with its allurements and seductions, message to Shepherds, to persons simple not ambitious of its honour, not desirous of its Communion which will not be resolved and mean, and humble, persons likely to fullness and plenty, but make me diligent in until there has been a lengthy process of the employment thou givest me, faithful in prayer, reflection and substantial work in be more apprehensive of the mystery and discharges of my trust, modest in my desires, less of the scandal, of the poverty of the content in the issues of thy Providence, that in and alongside the Commission which we Messiah: for they whose custom or such dispositions I may receive and entertain have recommended. We pray that God affections dwell in secular pomps, who visitations from Heaven, and revelations of the will equip our Communion to be equal to mysteries and blisses Evangelical, that by such are not used by charity or humility to direction I may be brought into thy presence, the task and challenges which lie before it. stoop to evenness and consideration of there to see the beauties and admire thy “Now I appeal to the elders of your their brethren, of equal natures though graces, and imitate all thy imitable excellences community, as a fellow elder and a unequal fortunes, are persons of all the and rest in Thee forever, in this world by the witness to Christ's sufferings, and as one world most indisposed and removed perseverance of a holy and conformable life, and in the world to come in the participation who has shared in the glory to be from the understanding of spiritual of Thy essential glories and felicities, O revealed: look after the flock of God excellencies, especially when they do not blessed and eternal JESUS.” come clothed with advantages of the whose shepherd you are.” (1 Peter 5.1,2a) We wish all our members and friends a truly blessed Christmas. ” 8 Visit our web site: www.prayerbook.ca The Prayer Book Society of Canada Newsletter Christmas 2003

Christian Unity … September. When the meeting broke up St. Continuing Work of Parish Groups: Ð Continued from Page 5 Martin’s representatives fully expected the In the letter to parishioners from the Bishop to invoke Canon 15 within a few Bishop’s Wardens dated September 18th significant majority. The vote was 12 to 8, th or 60% to 40%, mirroring the earlier days. However, on July 10 the Bishop the Bishop’s Wardens state that parish Parish vote. In spite of some talk of the agreed to postpone any further meetings or groups were not discharged under canon vote being “illegal” a letter was duly sent to action until after the August holidays. 15, and that “St. Martin’s needs these Bishop Terry Buckle of the Yukon. Aborted Church Committee Meeting of groups to continue doing their duties.” In The Report concluded with an August 12, 2003: good faith, the Newsletter Committee earnest plea “that we all join in the task of On July 21 2003 the Rev'd Don continued the production of the newsletter reuniting the St.Martin’s family....and Willis, Priest-in-Charge, sent two letter to as usual…. ensure that we are up to date with our all Parishioners. The first called for an “…On Friday afternoon [Sept. 26th], financial contributions.....” Extraordinary Meeting of the Church we were informed by our Interim Rector First Meeting with Bishop Ingham Committee set for Tuesday, August 12, that after consulting with Diocesan officials 2003. The second letter noted the financial he could not allow the newsletter to be rd On June 23 Bishop Michael Ingham difficulties of the Parish. There was a flurry produced. We find this position to be sent a letter to the Wardens and Trustees of activity and opinion for several weeks difficult to understand. We as editors never inviting them to a meeting to discuss the following the announcement of this censored the content of the newsletter. “turmoil” in St. Martin’s. He proposed two meeting. However, on August 11th the Michael Ingham has publicly stated that options: Extraordinary Church Committee meeting his actions were not intended to stifle 1. proceed with the process of getting a for August 12th was cancelled, with no clear debate. Since we feel the newsletter reflects parish priest, using the services of Bishop reason given. correctly the current situation at St. Hockin as Episcopal Visitor, if deemed The Bishop Acts: Martin’s, and that those who submitted useful; or articles have a right to be published, we On Saturday afternoon, September have continued”. Ironically, it is from that 2. he would invoke Diocesan Canon 15, 6th, two Diocesan officials, together with a very newsletter has come the timeline of which empowers him by cause of a locksmith, arrived at St. Martin’s to change events compressed for this article “pastoral emergency” to establish a new or the locks. Women in the kitchen and a alternative form of organization and youth group meeting with the Youth Pastor You can read elsewhere in this edition thereby move to the appointment of a new quickly notified the Trustees and others, of the PBSC Newsletter the worldwide priest who came to the scene and prevailed upon events taking place at the meeting at This meeting was held at the the Diocesan people to cease this activity. Lambeth of the Anglican Primates, and the Diocesan Offices with Chancellor George The locks were returned but a vigil was subsequent meeting of the Canadian Cadman (the Bishop’s legal counsel), the maintained all night. House of Bishops. How these events will affect us here at St Martin’s remains to be Venerable Archdeacon Lou Rivers, Diocesan Archdeacon Ron Harrison seen. Regional Dean the Rev'd Sarah Tweedale, was present for both Church services and Priest-in-charge the Rev'd Canon Don Sunday September 7th. At the end of each, Some Conclusions Willis. The Church Wardens and Trustees he stood and read a letter, already in the The crisis we are presently suffering in represented St. Martin’s Parish. Warden mail to all parishioners, from the Bishop. our Church seems to centre on questions Paul Clarke presented the Parish’s position Due to the troubles in St. Martin’s, and the having to do with ‘jurisdiction’ and that time was needed to discuss the apparent “unwillingness of some members ‘authority’. Anglicanism really has no Bishop’s options especially as summer of the parish to search for a permanent authoritative hierarchical structure. Instead holidays made meetings difficult to put Incumbent through the normal diocesan Anglican structure is that of a communion together. Bishop Ingham did not accept process”, the Bishop had invoked Diocesan of bishops, a group held together by this view but suggested another meeting Canon 15, and consequently, had removed collegial respect as servants of Christ. One shortly. all officers and members of the Church of the responsibilities made formal by vows Second Meeting with Bishop Ingham: Committee, and replaced them with three at the consecration of an Anglican bishop On July 3rd there was another meeting “Bishop’s Wardens”, confirmed the priest- is to safeguard unity of the Church. The with Bishop Ingham and his two advisors, in-charge until further notice, and essence of true Christian unity, and a Chancellor Cadman and Archdeacon appointed a Diocesan official as treasurer. bishop’s promise to guard that unity, is well Rivers. The mood was much more The next day the Youth Director, whose expressed by Fr. Robert Crouse, here controversial and acrimonious. St. Martin’s salary was paid by a special fund, was “let speaking at the consecration of Anthony wanted more time to bring the church go”. He and his family are now in the Burton as Bishop of Saskatchewan, in together and deal with its difficulties. In process of reorganising their lives. These October, 1993: spite of considerable pressure, the Wardens actions received wide publicity in the local, “…No doubt, the functions of a and Trustees would not revoke the Vestry’s national and international media, much of bishop are manifold; but, above all, he is to decisions on alternative Episcopal oversight it critical of the Bishop’s “attempt to lock be the shepherd of Christ’s flock in this without putting the question before out his parishioners”. place, the overseer or steward of God’s another Vestry meeting, possibly in household here; and to him especially is Ð Continued on Page 11

Visit our web site: www.prayerbook.ca 9 Christmas 2003 The Prayer Book Society of Canada Newsletter Voices From the Pew Parishes Need to be Alert when Changing their Priest By Billie Farmer Every parish that uses the Book of were interested in being interviewed for 3. The Interim bastardized the BCP Common Prayer – and wishes to our new full-time priest. In reply, he services to suit his own liturgical preserve its way of worship – needs to be said that every parish experiences a bit of agenda. vigilant when there is a change of priest. a set-back when there is an interim Our parish priest was moved in October, priest. We advised him that we had 4. When our previous rector wished to 2002. That was the beginning of a lot of experienced a very serious set-back have someone assist at Holy trouble for us. indeed! He wondered aloud why our Communion he had this approved by problems with worship had not been the Board of Management. The When the Archdeacon came to visit us resolved between the wardens and the interim just invited someone to come he advised there were only two clergy interim clergyman. Our people's warden – without any discussion with the available for Interim duties. We chose informed him that, as our interim had Board. the one whose income request we could his own agenda and would not listen to afford. The first service he conducted anything we said, there was no way for 5. The new Interim used hymns from was according to the Book of Common us to resolve the issue. the new book – which has some Prayer. However, on the second Sunday pretty questionable hymns in it!! He we were advised that the Anglican I had obtained the financial statements had our parish volunteer photocopy Church had “moved forward” to a more for the parish the years 2001 and 2002, these on our machine, telling her to personal form of prayer than that in the and provided them to the Parish buy coloured paper to have them BCP, and that new inserts for the service Selection Committee. In the months of printed. Our warden vetoed the were included in the bulletin. After the November and December - the period coloured paper, and the Incumbent service I said that we were not interested immediately after the Interim had come didn’t offer to pay for it. (All our in having a BAS service. He informed to us - the envelope offerings and open Service Books and Hymnals are me that the inserts were from a Lutheran collection had dropped by so much that memorial gifts). Service Book. As things progressed, it the shortfall for two months was greater became clear that his idea was to have us than the shortfall for the rest of whole 6. He also instructed the choir to use a using the BAS and the new hymnal year. After the meeting I knew that the different chant because he didn't like before the new rector was appointed. only way to open the bishop's eyes was the one our parish uses – and likes. to supply him with these figures. He I complained to the Archdeacon, who was also to learn that, because of the The main issue, it seemed, was that the said that no instructions to change the shortfall and our need to have money on interim had been given the authority to service traditional in our parish had hand to pay for the incoming rector’s brow-beat our wardens and come from his office, or from the moving expenses, and to renovate the congregation. We wanted to know why, bishop's office. Just when I was about to rectory, we would not be able to pay any because his actions were destroying our accept this as an honest statement, the of our apportionment in 2003. parish. Archdeacon advised me that perhaps I was going to need to grow accustomed I wrote a second letter to the bishop, and The interim also wanted to move the to this type of service. It was then that I included the following additional altar forward, so he could stand behind realized that the Interim had not been concerns: it, and conduct the service facing the advised that our parish has always been a congregation, the way it’s done in the BCP parish, and wished to remain that 1. At Clericus, our Interim had boasted BAS. We didn’t want this, and anyway, way. Accordingly, I wrote to the bishop, that he would “straighten out this the physical structure of the church and received a reply that this should be bunch” – (that’s us!) - for the new would not permit it. The people's resolved between the wardens and the Rector. warden told him this, and that was the interim priest. Things only got worse. end of that! 2. His methods would soon have us We made our concerns known to the financially bankrupt, as our parish Our only hope was to be a get on the Suffragan Bishop when he came to visit wanted services from the BCP. Selection Committee for the new rector, and give us the names of clergy who Ð Continued on Page 11

10 Visit our web site: www.prayerbook.ca The Prayer Book Society of Canada Newsletter Christmas 2003

Voices From the Pew… One of the important points is that the Christian Unity … Ð Continued from Page 10 wrong interim can lower the parish Ð Continued from Page 9 and to make clear what we as a parish income very drastically in a short time. directed the challenge, ‘If you love me, feed wanted in the way of worship. A So, be careful about whom you accept as my sheep’. And that must be an member whom I have always considered interim—the lowest amount requested intimidating challenge in these days of a a peacemaker was absolutely adamant for a salary is not really the best way to troubled Church in a troubled world. The that we have clear in our minds exactly choose. bishop must somehow be a focus of unity what services we wanted, and make that in a Church threatened by the Scylla and Charybdis of radical schism on the one perfectly clear to the bishop and any Nevertheless, it is foolish to make a hand, and a vacuous bureaucratic quick decision about the person who is prospective incoming priest. We were uniformity on the other. He will be under also to make it clear that if we were to to become the next incumbent—there is constant pressure to conform to the faddish regain our numbers at each service the always a great deal of time needed for the standards and inclinations of the present incoming priest must respect – and cater new person to adapt to the parish and age in the Church and in the world… to – the needs of our parish, and not try for the parish to accept the person. … There will be only one real answer, to change us. and that one won’t always be easy. St. Paul One further thing I do need to stress. says it, in First Corinthians: “It is required So that’s exactly what we did. When we Because I am a Lay Delegate to Synod, in stewards that a man be found faithful”. were interviewing we were adamant that my fellow parishioners seemed to think And as St. Irenaeus, the great exponent of the Book of Common Prayer is our that I had the power to change things. Apostolic Succession in the midst of the service book, and we did not want Of course, I didn’t. Because I couldn’t do Gnostic crisis of the Second century, clearly inserts for every service. After each anything, I gave the bishop’s address to saw and said, the bishop can serve as a anyone who was interested and cared focus of unity only inasmuch as he himself interview the priest was given a tour of is faithful to the tradition of the truth about our parish, and told them to write the church itself. One priest checked the divinely given; only thus can he hold the altar to see if it could be moved. That to him directly. I stressed to them that freedom and integrity of mind which can person’s name was dropped by the only the bishop has the power to make a resist the pressures to conform to the spirit selection committee immediately. In the priest change his ways, so the only person of the present age.” end we got what we needed, and our to whom you should complain is the In telling this story I mean to happy with our choice. bishop himself. (At the meeting with the encourage you to be vigilant, to watch for Suffragan Bishop, I told him that I had the coming battle in your own parish. It is Here are my recommendations for any done this, and his reply: “The bishop is my hope that the courage of this Parish of parish in our position: The selection quite aware that you did this”, indicated St. Martin’s, North Vancouver will inspire committee must be of one mind about to me that many people had written.) others to persevere. It is with that kind of what things are of prime importance, courage that we will have to rebuild the Church. and make sure all these things are I also explained that every parishioner discussed thoroughly with any has the right to tell the bishop that they “…for those classical Christians who prospective new priest. Each diocese are unhappy for this reason, or happy for stay in their own mainline church — this recovery is predicated on elbow-grease, probably has a different procedure. Ours that reason. (The only time a complaint tears, determination, prayer, speaking out, is going to cost a priest the license to has forms to be filled by all members of and suffering. Here we have no abiding the congregation. The selection preach is if a committee which includes city; here we find no ease or comfort; it has committee then condenses these into a the wardens of the parish visit the bishop taken years to steal and seize and demolish, “parish profile”, which states the real with a parish complaint, so parishioners it may take a long time indeed to rebuild requirements of the parish, and which is worried about getting their priest “into the foundations and walls and towers and made available to all clergy who wish to trouble” don’t need to worry about that: good places of our ecclesiastical apply. In turn, the selection committee even then, it may only mean that the institutions. However, as classical is given a profile of those wishing to be priest will be reprimanded). Christians we speak for all past generations interviewed. The selection committee of faithful folk; we claim the purloined treasures and hijacked institutions; ours by can accept or refuse these people for The thing to remember is this: If your right and title are the good things of the parish is unhappy with a priest – interviews. For this reason it is very church.” (Quoted from the PBSC news important that you choose the selection especially an Interim - making changes: service CaNN (Classical Anglican Net News) Write to the Bishop! If enough unhappy committee carefully. In our diocese, a For more information, see St. Martin’s parishioners write letters, the bishop will selection committee consists of the four website at: http://www.st-martins.cc/ wardens, the two lay delegates to Synod, take note. Because the Bishop always and two other people from the parish wants a parish to be able to pay its roll. apportionment.

Visit our web site: www.prayerbook.ca 11 The Prayer Book Society of Canada National Officers and Branch Contacts

OFFICERS Branch Contacts Toronto NATIONAL ADDRESS National Chairman St John’s Dr. Diana Verseghy P.O. Box 38060 Mr. Michael Edward, Mr. Michael Donan (905) 303-4490 1430 Prince of Wales Drive R.R.#1, Belfast P.O., (709) 753-5193 Ottawa, Ontario Prince Edward Island, Niagara North K2C 3Y7 C0A 1A0 Conception Bay North Mr. Walter Raybould Mrs. Marilyn Murrin (905) 971-7863 Episcopal Visitor (709) 786-6270 PBSC Web site The Rt Rev’d Harold Nutter, St. Catharines-Niagara www.prayerbook.ca Retired Archbishop Nova Scotia and Mrs. Laura Dodson of Canada Prince Edward Island (905) 468-5202 Mrs Marie Gibson Online Resources Grand Valley Honorary (902) 835–8210 PBSC Critique of Chairman/President Miss Billie Farmer the new hymn book (519) 583-0475 The Rev’d Dr. Robert Crouse, Annapolis Valley www.prayerbook.ca/ Professor Emeritus Sr. Margaret Luke London newhymn1.htm Dalhousie University (902) 798-3782 Mrs. Suzie Dann (519) 473-2132 Past Chairman Moncton PRAYER BOOK Mr. Ted Siemens Mr. Peter Johnson Lambton SOCIETY OF CANADA (506) 857-8500 Miss Naomi Luth NEWSLETTER Vice Chairmen (519) 336-7874 Editor The Rt Rev’d Anthony Burton, Fredericton Mr. Desmond Scotchmer, Bishop of Saskatchewan, Mr. Wilfred Alliston North Bay 40 Homewood Avenue, Apt. 1308 5th Avenue East, (506) 450-9584 Mrs. Dorothy Chabot 401 Prince Albert, Saskatchewan (705) 472-1937 Toronto, Ontario S6V 2H7 Fundy M4Y 2K2 Mr. William Holder Manitoba email: The Rev’d David Curry, (506) 648-0682 The Rev’d John Stennet [email protected] Anglican Rectory, (204) 383-5327 531 King St, Gaspé Coast Editorial Committee P.O. Box 2661, Mr. Cyrus Journeau Regina Mr. Wilfred Alliston Windsor, Nova Scotia (418) 752-3609 Cicely Pritchard Mrs. Laura Dodson B0N 2T0 (306) 586-9668 Ms. Nancy Gall Montréal Miss Naomi Luth The Rev’d Dr. James I. Packer, Mr. Richard Lord Saskatoon The Rev’d Dr. J. I. Packer Regent College, (514) 938-5349 Dr. Jane Doig Mrs. Carol Schiavetto 5800 University Blvd, (306) 374–7208 Mr. Richard Spalton Vancouver, British Columbia Ottawa Calgary V6T 2E4 Mrs. Joan Wilson Mr. Ted Owens (613) 749-5058 (403) 242-1727 Correspondence Secretary The Rev’d Stephen Sharman, Quinte Edmonton 374 River Road, Dr. James Loudon Mr. David Bertsch If you wish to join PBSC, St. Andrews, Manitoba (613) 966-7571 (780) 458-1194 please e-mail your name R1A 2Y1 and address to Port Hope-Cobourg Vancouver [email protected] Treasurer Mr. Pat Bryan Mrs. Norah Johnston or mail it to: The Prayer Dr. Edgar MacDonald (905) 885-0518 (604) 224-8986 Book Society of Canada, Comlongon Farm Box 1435, Port Dover, Box 57 Winsloe Vancouver Island Ontario. N0A 1N0. Prince Edward Island Dr. Pat Radcliffe C1E 1Z2 (250) 758-5771

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